Welbevindenmeter

Welbevindenmeter instrument about quality of life for kidney-patients

Kidney patients find it very hard to put in words how they experience the different stages of their disease. It is very difficult to say how they were feeling at last appointment with their nephrologist.

A measuring-instrument (NCCN2003/IKA2006) known as the lastmeter in oncology was altered to fit the symptoms of kidney patients. The measuring instrument is named the welbevindenmeter, and is an instrument to measure the wellbeing or quality of life for kidney patients. During a home-visit from the social worker of the nephrology department will bring the questions asked in the welbevindenmeter. It is not a form that has to be filled out by the patient, the questions are asked in a conversation with the social worker.

The welbevindenmeter will be filled out on different occasions. When patients start the kidney failure trajectory, three months after starting the trajectory, when their social situation changes, when they start with a treatment, or when the treatment changes. When changes not occur, the welbevindenmeter will be discussed yearly.

In 2014 the welbevindenmeter is used 113 times for 110 new patients in the kidney failure trajectory.
54% of them experience pain
85% of the patients are seriously tired
66 % worry

Also in 2014 47 welbevindenmeters are conducted with patients already on dialysis.
57% of them experience pain
70% is seriously tired
43% worry

With the welbevindenmeter patients get more control on their medical situation and wellbeing. It provides information to the patient and to practitioners about the condition of the patient. It’s is a possible starting point for a custom made treatment plan what enhances the quality of care for chronic kidney patients.